|
|
Press Releases
|
|
Posted on June 05, 2004 @ 01:17 PM
Last Monday, May 31st, Karachi, Pakistan was again turned upside down, when 19 people
were murdered while attending afternoon prayers. According to CNN, a bomb went
off while over 50 people were inside the Ali Raza mosque. The blast was followed
by protest which resulted in the further death of 3 more individuals when paramilitary
Rangers opened fire onto the crowd. The day prior, on Sunday, May 30th, gunmen
fired on a vehicle carrying Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai killing all those inside.
Mufti was a cleric at the Binori madrasa in Karachi, Pakistan. Although he was
known for his anti-American commentary and possible ties with Al-Qaida, according
to CNN, motives are unclear. Protesters went to the street upon hearing the
news of this event. Earlier this month, a similar incident occurred at
the Haidary mosque in Karachi, Pakistan, when at least 15 were killed in a similar
bomb explosion as at the Ali Raza mosque while observing prayer.
The Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) stands strong in denouncing the
violent acts in Karachi, Pakistan. As an organization that adheres to the teaching
of Islam (Peace), we recognize that such inhuman violence, resulting in death of innocent
lives, only brings us further from Islam or Peace. If we, as human beings do
not speak out against such violence we act, in our silence, as if we condone such
acts. Therefor, we must come together to denounce this month of inexplicable
violence occurring in Karachi, Pakistan. We strongly urge the government of Pakistan
to take the necessary steps to protect the freedom to practice religion and provide
security to its citizens by bringing those responsible for these heinous crimes against
humanity to justice quickly. We call upon the United States Government, the United
Nations, Amnesty International, and all groups and individuals who believe in the
cause of peace. UMAA also condemns the act of terrorism in recent incidents in Saudi
Arabia.
Lets us, through methods of non-violence, come together and denounce this violence
and murder. We must come together to pressure those who seek to destabilize
a human beings inherent right to live amongst one another in peace, good will, and
unity while maintaining their individuality in worshiping their Creator.
“He Who made for you the earth a cradle and hath made therein ways for you that ye
might be guided aright,” 43:4 Holy Quran.
|